Lord Mayor of Melbourne Robert Doyle has resigned seven weeks after allegations of sexual harassment were made against him. Two fellow councillors made the accusations late last year, and a draft copy of a report into the claims was presented to Cr Doyle last week.

Cr Doyle has vigorously denied the allegations.

In a statement, his lawyer, Nick Ruskin, said Cr Doyle feels he has been denied the principles of fair justice during the City of Melbourne investigation.

“Following allegations seven weeks ago, he [Cr Doyle] has been through a period which he feels has lacked a semblance of natural justice, where the burden of proof does not rest with proving guilt, but rather proving innocence,” Mr Ruskin said.

On Friday it was announced the investigation into the allegations against Cr Doyle would be delayed as he grappled with serious health issues.

Mr Ruskin said Cr Doyle had since been admitted to hospital “to begin his recovery”.

Fact Check: We strive for accuracy and fairness. If you discover something that does not look right here, contact us at Politicoscope. Do you have a story for publication? Send it now for free publication here on Politicoscope.